Zophar, so Good?

Read Job 11

"If you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear." Job 11:14-15

Zophar makes three accusations against Job: Job is guilty of sin (vv.1-4); Job is ignorant of God (vv. 5-12); and Job is stubborn in his refusal to repent (vv. 13-20). "There is hope!" is Zophar's encouraging word to Job, and he describes what Job can experience. But if Job wants these blessings, he has to get them on Zophar's terms. Yes, there is hope, but it is hope with a condition attached to it: Job must repent and confess his sins (vv. 13-14). Zophar is tempting Job to bargain with God so he can get out of his troubles. This is exactly what Satan wanted Job to do!

"Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan asked (1:9). Satan accused Job of having a "commercial faith" that promised prosperity in return for obedience. If Job had followed Zophar's advice, he would have played right into the hands of the enemy.

Job did not have a "commercial faith" that made bargains with God. He had a confident faith that said, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (13:15). That doesn't sound like a man looking for an easy way out of difficulties. "Job did not understand the Lord's reasons," said Charles Haddon Spurgeon, "but he continued to confide in His goodness." That is faith!

Applying God's Truth:

What have people recently accused you of? How did each accusation make you feel?In what ways do people today attempt to bargain with God?How would you feel in Job's place after hearing the accusations and advice of Zophar?

Devotions for Patience and Wholeness ©2005 by Dr. Warren Wiersbe. Used by permission of David C Cook. May not be further reproduced. All rights reserved.